If you believe God had a hand in writing your holy text, whatever it may be, and disagree with the literal interpretation of that scripture, you are going against God's will. This is what can be considered religious moderation. If your actions are guided by the literal interpretation of the holy text, you are a fundamentalist or extremist (not very popular in modern times). If we accept the holy books are truly to be the work of God, the fundamentalists are the only ones that can truly proclaim they know God's will. If you are a moderate and don't follow the literal interpretation of your holy scripture, you are making a personal choice to interpret the texts to what suits you as right. Hence, you are in turn saying "I know what God wants and His/Her intentions, despite what my holy text says." I can't imagine a statement any more arrogant. Am I wrong? It's really a catch 22. If you're a fundamentalist, you are considered a nutjob. If you're a moderate, your simply arrogant.
2007-06-25 16:35:24 · 7 answers · asked by RcknRllr 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony
2007-06-25 16:39:43 · answer #1 · answered by punch 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
ANY interpretation by a human would be an assumption to "know the will of God". Literal or moderate or even liberal. That's why some religions have no Holy Book that must be interpreted. They prefer a DIRECT conversation with Deity and KNOW that such conversatin is ONLY between themselves and Deity and is NOT for anyone else's usage.
Raji the Green Witch
2007-06-25 23:53:53 · answer #2 · answered by Raji the Green Witch 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a real quagmire of a problem, is it not?
Then you may ask yourself, what if this text I believe in so literally was not written by some deity, but actually written by people? What was the purpose of their writing it?
That is the problem of using any source, evidentiary or hearsay, as a literal truth. There are always repercussions, both personal and interpersonal. We are cognitive beings, and as such we have the responsibility to use those cognitive functions to make certain decisions for our own survival as well as those of our tribe/family.
We are not viral organisms, not intentionally, preprogrammed with a set of biological functions. Hence the term brainwashing or coercion. Many groups or collectives continually strive for our attentions. Most of the time we automatically make decisions not to buy a certain product or join a particular social grouping. This ability to make decisions on such a level sets us apart from many other organisms of the animal kingdom, some animals also display this kind of decision making.
Therefore, is it arrogant to make your own decisions and choices in life rather than be a 'nutjob' and follow like an automaton. I don't think it is arrogance rather we are simply utilising those 'gifts' furnished upon us by evolution.
It is these same cognitive facilities that allow us to demonstrate moral choices as well as more basic choices.
2007-06-25 23:40:04 · answer #3 · answered by psicatt 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
And how should one interpret "Love one another"? (John 15:12)
You got any ideas, or all just hot air?
I interpret it just as it says, am I a nutjob? Read Romans 2:1. I see what problem you seem to have.
2007-06-25 23:40:26 · answer #4 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lay aside you mortal intellect and seek divine revelation. God can clear up this question for you like nobody else can.
It takes the faith of a little child - hard for humans who are very analytical in their thinking. I know - I was one before I met Christ!
Now I have a peace and rest that no person or devil can take from me because my life belongs to God, and when you love Him finding His will is not hard to do. He is more than willing to reveal it to you if you have the courage to pursue it.
2007-06-25 23:49:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
if i understand u correctly, i believe we can know the will of god and that it would not be arrogance..the bible is a communication tool..thats how God speaks to us...and in doing so, he tells what we need to do, therefore making it his will...i hope i answered ur question...
2007-06-25 23:47:07 · answer #6 · answered by the voice of truth 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No it is not arrogance.I know what he says because he talks to us in the Bible.
2007-06-25 23:43:56 · answer #7 · answered by ♥ Mel 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋